Aiding in the fight against eviction

WALLACE — Federal grant monies are now available for Idaho residents who may be facing eviction.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved a $1.8 million inaugural grant from its Eviction Protection Grant Program to support a regional proposal submitted by Idaho Legal Aid Services.

According to Colleen Rosson, a grant specialist and the Executive Director of the Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, the available funding is primarily there to provide advocacy and assistance navigating the eviction or pre-eviction process — which can help identify potential solutions or problems and guide that person through their experience.

“These programs are intended to provide an advocate for those navigating these complicated and overwhelming processes,” Rosson said. “The support and tools this funding provides to these organizations is a positive benefit for those who may need it in our communities.”

The grant is being administered throughout Idaho, as well as Montana and Utah and is a reflection of the current housing affordability crisis that is affecting people in those states.

Idaho residents can take advantage of the assistance by contacting one of these groups — Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc., and Intermountain Fair Housing Council.

While this particular grant is specific to those who fall under the category of low-income, there are also funds available through Idaho Legal Services, Inc. for anyone who may need rental and utility assistance.

“Investments from programs such as HUD’s grant for the Collaborative Eviction Process are important at the ‘front door’ level for individuals needing to know where to go for potential solutions they may face regarding evictions, rent assistance and utility bill assistance,” said Shoshone County Commissioner Mike Fitzgerald. “Broad public outreach and local communications will be the keys to connecting available resources to those in need.”

The funding pays attorneys who will then assist tenants with items like applying for emergency rental assistance, negotiating with landlords, asserting fair housing rights, and representing tenants in court to raise defenses to evictions.

These services are available throughout Idaho, with the exception of Ada and Canyon counties who have a separate group working with them.

HUD’s overall goals with the grant are to avoid evictions, as well as the harmful consequences that seem to follow when a person or family is evicted.

“Getting the word out about these programs in our community is the goal,” Rosson said. “The statewide organizations have the capacity and expertise to help our residents who may need it.

I cannot speak to our local situation regarding homelessness or near homelessness. Only, there may be help if someone needs it. The intent is to keep people housed. It is overall better to keep people housed than to solve for homelessness.”

For more information on the services provided by Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc., and Intermountain Fair Housing Council — please visit www.idaholegalaid.org, and www.ifhcidaho.org.